I’m curious how the other retail shops are faring so far this
season. We got a strong start in November with more early Christmas
orders than I can remember in a long time. We have continued into
December with some very strong sales in the first 11 days. We are
running well ahead (like by 50%) of last year to this date,
including the best day I’ve ever had in my new store (since my
partnership broke up two years ago) and within the top 10 days I’ve
EVER had (and actually since most of those were made up of large
diamond sales on which the markups were usually much smaller than on
the rest of my jewelry, it’s really more in the top 4-5 days) last
Thursday (on a Thursday, no less!!!). What’s happening out there in
the rest of Orchidland?
Daniel R. Spirer, G.G.
Daniel R. Spirer Jewelers, LLC
1780 Massachusetts Ave.
Cambridge, MA 02140
617-234-4392
My sales here in Central Maine are, like you, up 50% over the same
period last year. I’m not having any record breaking days, however the
sales are consistently good. My shop is busy, and we will be casting,
and fabricating custom work right up to the last minute.
This is my 24th Christmas season in the same location. I’m always
left with the question as to when is the shutoff time for special
order work? I haven’t missed a deadline yet, but I’m not as willing
to work late into the night as I was, say 5 years ago. I still say
bring it on, and we will try to get it done, as it’s a long cold
winter here in Maine.
Stay strong, be well, and keep the Peace!
David Agronick
David-Brooks Goldsmiths
Hallowell, Maine
Mid-Michigan is still suffering. Three month period from Aug.
through Oct. was down 54%. Worst month was September at 77% off.
November came back to even with last year’s somewhat dismal totals,
but first ten days of December are down an estimated 30%.
Other business people locally are doing just as bad. A local popular
restrauant is down 50%+, and a local Hallmark Gold Crown store close
to the same. Been in this business nearly 30 years and honestly don’t
remember it ever being this bad. I am happy for others doing well.
I am not a retail shop, but last Saturday about 90% of my inventory
was stolen out of my car in broad daylight in a huge retail store
parking lot (while I was away from the car).
Fantastically convenient for the thieves too, 1 large box complete
with jewelry, displays, gift boxes and wrapping materials! They were
either set up to be done with XMAS shopping for all females in thier
lives or go sell my jewelry!
Oh well, I will be more careful next year. I guess this is the
perfect kick in the butt to create something newer and better.
I am not a retail shop, but last Saturday about 90% of my inventory
was stolen out of my car in broad daylight in a huge retail store
parking lot (while I was away from the car).
This is a reiteration of what all of the jewelry insurance companies
and the JSA say over and over but here it is again:
Whether you are a crafter, a wholesaler, a craft show jeweler or a
retailer, at NO time should merchandise be left unattended in a car.
As a matter of fact if you have to step out of the car to fill your
car with gas, or help your kids out the line should be in your hands
or in plain sight at ALL times. Inconvenient? You bet, but a whole
lot better than losing your line.
Daniel R. Spirer, G.G.
Daniel R. Spirer Jewelers, LLC
1780 Massachusetts Ave.
Cambridge, MA 02140